New Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiatives focus on climate change, health equity, and the role health care stakeholders can play in promoting climate resilience.
HHS’ Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) hosted a May 5 webinar on the Health Care Sector Pledge to reduce emissions. Hospitals and other industry stakeholders are invited to pledge by June 3 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience. The webinar reviews the commitment in detail and answers questions from the field.
To help members better understand how HHS’ work affects essential hospitals, America’s Essential Hospitals hosted a May 3 webinar, “Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction: What’s Next from HHS.” OCCHE staff discussed their climate resilience and emission reduction priorities, the Health Care Sector Pledge, and the desire to partner with essential hospitals.
Finally, a new OCCHE Climate and Health Outlook public information series connects weather forecasts to health resources that can be used to reduce mortality, illness, and health risks associated with climate-related hazards, such as extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and vector-borne diseases that affect human health. The first issue is about extreme heat.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
